The stage is set, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Georgia Bulldogs, New Year's Day, the Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame football continues their championship hopes in round two of the college football playoffs, and has a chance to make a statement against the SEC champion. A lot is on the line.

This Georgia Bulldog team is an interesting one, possessing outstanding talent like usual, but they also have some concerns to consider. Here are some early things to know about this Georgia squad, including the strengths, the weaknesses, and the oddities they bring to the table.

Quarterback situation

The big topic of conversation is quarterback Carson Beck, who suffered a UCL injury in his throwing elbow during the SEC Championship game against Texas a few weeks ago. Not only is Beck out against Notre Dame, but it sounds like he is going to be out the rest of the playoffs having already been exploring surgery options. While not confirmed, it sounds like Tommy John surgery could be in his future.

That means that Irish fans need to be prepared for redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton, who is viewed as a more athletic quarterback compared to Beck, but obviously has very little college experience. He heads into this game with just 51 career passing attempts, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Notre Dame will have to confuse this young quarterback, and make sure this isn’t a potential breakout for Stockton.

Historic rushing attack

The word “historic” tends to have positive undertones, but you can also be historic for the completely wrong reasons. That is the case for the Georgia rushing attack, which is one of the worst Bulldog units we have seen in the last 30 years. As a unit, they are averaging just 129.2 yards per game on the ground, and 4.2 yards per carry.

That per game total would be the lowest under head coach Kirby Smart since he took over in 2016, by almost 50 yards. The previous low under him was 174.2 yards per game in 2020. This would be the lowest total for a Georgia rushing attack since 2006 (127.4) under Mark Richt. To find anything before that, you have to go all the way back to 1994.

There is certainly talent in that room, but it is led by freshman Nate Frazier and Trevor Etienne, who has been banged up often this season. Up until now, however, that group has left a lot to be desired.

Outstanding special teams

The Georgia defense is a good group, as always. But funny enough, you can make a strong argument that the special teams group is the strongest unit for the Bulldogs. Whether it is place kicking or punting, this group has been phenomenal in 2024.

Kicker Peyton Woodring has been one of the most dependable kickers in all of college football. On the season, he has made 20-22 field goals (91 percent!) with a long of 55 yards. Woodring has also converted all of his 47 extra points. He has been outstanding.

Their punting unit has arguably been even better with punter Brett Thorson. He is averaging 47.6 yards per punt on the season, which is tied for sixth best in all of college football. Thomson has placed 22 punts inside of the 20-yard line, while also hitting 18 over 50 yards on the year as well. 

Unfortunately, Thorson has been lost for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. He was the only Bulldog to attempt a punt this season.

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